Hi, Mister Bus.

It’s nice to see you again, I guess.

The audition, you mean? I … I messed up, Mister Bus. Really badly.

No, you helped a lot! I don’t know — I just — I fucking flubbed my first piece. My favourite piece! I’ve been playing it for years. I’m — I’m not getting in.

I let her down, Mister Bus. I could feel her right there in the hall, and I blew it! After all that practice, after we swore that — that we’d —

Fuck. FUCK!

…

Sorry. I know, I know, there’re other people here. You can stop grumbling at me.

…

Hey. Mister Bus.

Remember when we met? It was the first time our parents let us go downtown alone. We went to see Bridge to Terabithia — such a sad movie!

It was super weird when you started talking. And scary! All the rumbling and screeching. But you turned out to be a cool guy. I’m … we’re both really glad we’re friends.

Yeah, squeal, you big ol’ lug! You’re such a softie.

Remember when we signed each other’s corks? You braked and she almost dropped my clarinet on the floor! You can still see it, right here. Sarah heart Laura 4ever. I don’t know if she was just being a teenager or if she already — if she’d figured out —

God …

G-God damn it — Sarah, why’d… fuck …

…

Thanks, Mister Bus. I — I appreciate the air.

Remember when she got the call? Right before the wedding. She got in! She was so giddy — she was glowing! It was amazing. That’s when we made that promise, remember? We promised we’d be up on that stage together someday, two orchestra-mates sharing a stand.

Now she’s gone.

She’s gone and I fucking blew it!

…

Hey, so …

I’m thinking of going away. I can’t be here anymore.

I’m sorry, Mister Bus.